It’s the latest review of the week.
In this round-up there is reaction from Danny McNamara to Charlton’s unimpressive showing at Cardiff City, two ex-Addicks have surprising roles after hanging up their boots and the women’s team face a formidable test.
McNamara no fan of longer international break
Danny McNamara reckons that Charlton Athletic will respond to their 3-1 loss at Cardiff City on Saturday. It’s just that they face a fair old wait to right the wrongs from a one-sided defeat in South Wales.
The Addicks do not play again in the Championship until October 10, at home against Bristol City.
This is a longer international break than last season - three weeks instead of the previous fortnight. That’s because FIFA have merged the September and October international breaks into one.
Charlton are ninth after eight matches, dropping a place on Sunday afternoon as Wolves’ 1-0 victory over West Brom saw them jump to fourth in the league.
The Addicks have been left stewing over the result and performance at Cardiff City Stadium - with boss Nathan Jones quick to slam the display.
“I don’t really like the longer break,” said McNamara. “I like a Saturday-Tuesday schedule to build momentum. It is nice to have a little break but after two or three days it is enough and you want to go again.
“It’s been a really positive start to the season. We’ve had a couple of blips, which isn’t ideal, but this is the Championship and you’re going to get that, whether you are at the top or bottom of the table.
“You’re going to win and lose games. It is that saying - never too high and never too low. There are games we’re going to play poorly in but it is how you bounce back.
“We were nowhere near good enough all over the pitch (at Cardiff). We conceded rubbish goals - not like us. We weren’t first to anything or picking up the second balls. That was the difference.”
Charlton have conceded seven goals in their last two away matches. The heavy reverse at Stoke City (4-0) was against one of the division’s form teams - Mark Robins’ men took 13 points in September, a total only matched by West Ham United.
“Maybe we could be a bit more compact and resilient away from home but you could argue we haven’t scored enough in the last two away games,” said McNamara, signed on a free transfer in the summer following his release by Millwall.
“The gaps were too big (on Saturday) and they picked the pockets of space really well. It was nowhere near good enough. You’ve got to do the basics and if you don’t then unfortunately Championship teams will punish you.
“The gaffer is on us. He is a really experienced manager in this league and knows what he is doing. I’m sure we will put it right.”
Our post-match pod from Cardiff can be found here.
Picture: Keith Gillard
Huge challenge for winless women
Charlton Athletic’s quest for a first point since promotion to the WSL does not get any easier this weekend when they host Manchester City at The Valley.
The Addicks face the current league leaders and also defending champions.
Andree Jeglertz’s City are the only team left in the competition with a 100 per cenr record. They looked set to be held 2-2 by Liverpool at the weekend, only for two stoppage time goals, including an own goal by Grace Fisk, eventually securing a 4-2 victory.
Charlton suffered a third straight defeat as they went down 4-1 to London City Lionesses on Saturday. Jodie Hutton, who signed a contract extension last week, did produce a scorching finish, the first goal scored by the south Londoners in the top flight since 2007.
Abiola Ijasanmi and Stephen King have been confirmed as independent non-executive directors to the club’s newly-formed board.
Harry Arter playing for Charlton against Portsmouth in 2021/Picture: Keith Gillard
Saudi Pro League jobs for Francis and Arter
Former Charlton Athletic players Simon Francis and Harry Arter have prominent roles at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Francis, who made 32 league appearances for the Addicks, is technical director. He has been in the role since July.
Arter started his career in Charlton’s youth set-up and returned on loan in August 2021. But the midfielder played just six times before his stay was cut short at the start of the following January. He is chief scout for Al Hilal, who have signed Ollie Watkins, Crysencio Summerville and Gabriel Martinelli in the last transfer window.
Picture: Keith Gillard
Ba retires
El Hadji Ba has announced his retirement.
Charlton signed the Paris-born midfielder on a three-year contract from Sunderland in June 2015. He played 28 times for the south London club - a total he only surpassed at RC Lens (32) and Guingamp (52).
Ba posted on Instagram: “There are moments in life when you have to know when to turn the page. Today, after more than 25 years devoted to football, I have decided to end my playing career.”
Tyreece Campbell will be looking to add to his eight caps for Jamaica/Picture: Paul Edwards
International call ups
A number of Nathan Jones’ squad have headed off on international duty.
Conor Coventry has been called up by Republic of Ireland for their Nations League fixtures against Israel (twice), Kosovo and Austria.
Ivan Mesik will be hoping to compete in the same competition for Slovakia. They face Moldova (twice), Kazakhstan and Faroe Islands.
There are AFCON matches for Arthur Okonkwo and Timothy Ouma. Okonkwo’s Nigeria take on Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Ouma’s Kenya have fixtures against Eritrea and Guinea.
On-loan defender Tyler Bindon has been selected by New Zealand. They play Palestine and China PR before two matches in the Kirin Cup. They have been drawn against Panama and then will have either a third-place play-off or final.
Tyreece Campbell is in Jamaica’s squad for CONCACAF Nations League fixtures. They play Guatemala, Honduras (twice) and El Salvador.
CAST flag up ‘issues causing friction’
Charlton Athletic Supporters’ Trust have published an open letter sent to the club about what they describe as ‘several issues causing friction and annoyance for quite a number of fans’.
The points covered include bag policy, matchday food and drink and matchday ticketing pricing.
“Last season was a very big step up for all of us from League One up to the Championship,” said CAST. “This season we all share the desire to establish Charlton in the division and to look upwards. By showing willingness to listen, learn and address the issues outlined above, the club will demonstrate how much it values the fans and we can move forward together.
“CAST is available to share further information and discuss details as needed and to input as appropriate via the advisory board and supporters’ forum. We look forward to constructive ongoing engagement with the club.”